Renika McQueen-Echols is a name that’s quickly gaining recognition in the independent film world. A former correctional officer turned filmmaker, Renika’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to storytelling. After 17 years of service in law enforcement, she found her true calling in filmmaking, transforming her self-published book, Deceitful Passions, into an award-nominated film. With each project, Renika continues to make waves, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Your films often explore deep and complex narratives. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and how do you hope they impact your audience?
Renika: My messages that I want to convey through my films are all different. Sometimes it may be something about family, your peace, friendships, marriages or more. It depends on what the movie is about. I hope my impact is always positive and motivating for my audience. No matter what the film may be about, I hope that they’re able to take something positive away from it and maybe use what they’ve learned from the film to better themselves, situations or maybe even another person’s life.
Receiving nominations and awards, such as the Best Film nomination at the Detroit Filmmakers Awards and the Best Family/Children’s Movie at Cannes, must be gratifying. How do these accolades influence your future projects and career aspirations?
Renika: The accolades that I’ve received push me to do better, to be better. They make me more aware of how my work is being perceived in other’s eyes. In knowing what is expected of me, it definitely drives me to create more films that represent my community in a better light, hoping to push the narrative of healthy families, marriages, friendships and more. I do understand that drama is often what intrigues but if I can find a way to present drama in my movies (for entertainment purposes only) but end it mostly on a positive note, inspiring others to move with more love, compassion and consideration then I’ve done what I’ve aspired to.
Your podcast, “Raw with Renika,” aims to inspire and motivate. What inspired you to start this podcast, and how do you select topics and guests that align with your mission of empowerment?
Renika: Raw with Renika was inspired simply by my thought of, I can do it too. I saw at the time that podcast were really turning into something big and I simply wanted to try it out. It is a podcast that is meant to be fun, honest, sometime’s serious but always reflecting back to life’s issues. I just wanted a space to talk about life with the hope’s that someone can find a solution for the trials and tribulations that they may be experiencing at the time. My process to having guest on the show is simply finding and inviting people with the same kind of energy that I have and people that don’t mind sharing their truth.
As a female filmmaker, how do you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the industry? What advice would you give to aspiring women filmmakers looking to break into the field?
Renika: I always try to find a balance when dealing with anything because sometimes when you’re a woman, you may not be taken seriously. When I say find a balance, I mean how I choose to respond or deal with certain situations. I can be very voicetress at times and people don’t always know how to take a black woman when she speaks her mind, especially in business. You can be labeled as difficult so I find ways to let people know that I am not a pushover but still be professional and non-confrontational. That is one way that I navigate the biggest challenge that I face. As for opportunities, I am a networker. I don’t wait on anyone to put me in rooms. If there is a room that I can get in, I put myself there, especially if I see the benefits of being there.
You encourage women to transform their mess into their message and their test into a testimony. Can you share a personal experience where you applied this philosophy, and how it shaped your journey?
Renika: I definitely believe in making your mess your message and your test a testimony. This philosophy definitely was applied by taking my own personal heartache and putting it into my very first movie, Deceitful Passions. I, myself, went through some challenges with love. I took those same challenges and turned them into passive income.
What new projects are you currently working on, and what can audiences expect from Chase and Conner Productions in the near future?
Renika: Currently, I am producing a movie title, ‘A Night to Forget’ by a new up and coming filmmaker, Terry Payne. I am also beginning my promotion for my new series that is dropping any day now, ‘The Stranger In Our House.’ You can look for that on Tubi’s streaming platform. In 2025, I plan to shoot at least two new films.
When people look back on your career, what do you hope they will remember about your contributions to the film industry and your influence on audiences and aspiring filmmakers?
Renika: I hope that when my career is looked back on, people will see how I have always been so open to helping and encouraging others. I’ve done a lot for inspiring filmmakers already that I don’t speak about. I think when you help people you don’t always have to broadcast it. If they want it known, they’ll tell their own stories when they are ready. I also want people to say, I’ve always strived to be better with every project and that they were able to see my growth. Last but not least, that I’m a beautiful person inside and out but mostly within.
Lastly, what gives you the most personal fulfillment in your career? How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating impactful films and content?
Renika: What gives me the most fulfillment in my career is my children seeing that if their mom could do it, so can they. There are a few other things but I believe that is my top one other than feeling like I am truly walking in my purpose that I asked God to show me for so many years. Yeah. Now that’s it. That’s the top one. Finding my purpose gives my heart so much joy on the daily. Thank you God. Thank you.
Follow online: @chase_and_conner_productions_
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